Zesty Grilled Summer Chicken
Experience the joy of summer with this vibrant and zesty grilled chicken recipe. Using organic chicken ensures a fresh and clean flavor, perfect for a family meal. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity; the chicken is grilled to perfection and then marinated in a bright lime and ginger sauce that infuses every bite with tangy goodness. Served with steamed new potatoes and refreshing cole slaw, it’s an ideal choice for warm summer evenings. This recipe not only highlights the natural flavors of the chicken but also allows you to enjoy the marinade as a finishing touch, bringing everything together beautifully. Grab an ice-cold beer, and you're set for a delightful outdoor dinner.
4
Servings
275
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
lime juice
3/4 cup (freshly squeezed)
extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup (none)
minced ginger
1 tablespoon (fresh)
sugar
1 tablespoon (none)
minced garlic
2 teaspoons (fresh)
chicken (quarter)
1 (3 lb) (cut into quarters)
salt
to taste (none)
fresh ground pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a large bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, minced ginger, sugar, and garlic until well combined. Set aside.
2
Rinse the chicken quarters under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Season the chicken generously with salt and fresh ground pepper on all sides.
3
Preheat the grill to medium-hot heat. Grill the chicken directly over the heat for about 5 minutes on each side to achieve a nice char.
4
Once beautifully grilled, shift the chicken to indirect heat and continue cooking for an additional 10 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken remains moist.
5
Remove the grilled chicken from the grill and immediately place it in the bowl of marinade. Allow the chicken to soak in the zesty marinade for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure every piece absorbs the flavor.
6
Serve the chicken warm, drizzled with remaining marinade, alongside new potatoes and cole slaw for a complete and satisfying meal.
Nutrition Information
18.75g
Fat
3.5g
Carbs
22.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Grilled Summer Chicken?
It is a vibrant chicken dish featuring organic chicken quarters that are grilled and then finished in a bright lime and ginger marinade.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What type of chicken should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 (3 lb) organic chicken, cut into quarters.
What are the primary flavors in the marinade?
The marinade is characterized by a zesty and tangy profile created by lime juice, fresh ginger, and garlic.
Do I marinate the chicken before or after grilling?
In this recipe, you grill the chicken first and then soak it in the marinade while it is hot to allow the flavors to absorb.
How long should the chicken soak in the marinade?
The chicken should soak in the marinade for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally.
What temperature should the grill be?
The grill should be preheated to a medium-hot heat.
What is the recommended internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving of this chicken recipe contains approximately 275 calories.
How much protein does this recipe offer?
One serving provides about 22.5g of protein.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 18.75g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
This is a low-carb option with only 3.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
What sides are suggested for this meal?
It is recommended to serve the chicken with steamed new potatoes and refreshing cole slaw.
Is fresh lime juice necessary?
Yes, the recipe specifies 3/4 cup of freshly squeezed lime juice for the best flavor.
How much ginger is used in the marinade?
The marinade requires 1 tablespoon of fresh minced ginger.
Does the recipe contain garlic?
Yes, it uses 2 teaspoons of fresh minced garlic.
What type of oil is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil.
How do you achieve a nice char on the chicken?
Grill the chicken quarters directly over the heat for about 5 minutes on each side.
Why is the chicken moved to indirect heat?
It is moved to indirect heat to finish cooking through for 10 minutes per side without burning the outside, ensuring it remains moist.
Should I rinse the chicken?
The instructions suggest rinsing the chicken quarters under cold water and patting them dry before seasoning.
How should I season the chicken before it goes on the grill?
Season it generously with salt and fresh ground pepper on all sides.
Does this recipe include any sugar?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of sugar is added to the marinade to balance the acidity of the lime.
Is this a good recipe for a barbecue?
Yes, it is specifically tagged as a barbecue and summer recipe perfect for outdoor dining.
What should I do with the remaining marinade?
The remaining marinade should be drizzled over the chicken when serving.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 8 total ingredients used in this recipe.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy dinner and focuses on simple preparation and grilling techniques.
What drink pairs well with this dish?
An ice-cold beer is recommended as a great accompaniment to this summer meal.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Yes, it is tagged as a family meal and is designed to be a healthy option for all ages.
Can I use bottled ginger?
While fresh minced ginger is specified for the best 'zesty' flavor, bottled could be used in a pinch.
What makes this chicken 'zesty'?
The combination of a high volume of fresh lime juice and minced ginger creates the signature zesty flavor profile.